APA Blogs
383 Results
Practicing Self-Compassion
At the start of the year, many people set resolutions and intentions for enhancing their emotional well-being. One tool that can help improve psychological well-being is the practice of self-compassion. Many people find themselves being quite critical towards themselves. Some people believe that they are not good enough and that they don’t deserve compassion. In the long term, excessive self-criticism may contribute to depleting one’s emotional reservoir.
Youth Perspectives on Climate Change and Mental Health
Two new studies look at youth concerns about climate change and its impacts, including mental health, and at the impacts on youth mental health of exposure to climate-related disasters and mental distress.
Southern California Wildfire Response: Resources for Mental Health Clinicians Who Are Helping
In response to the devastating wildfires in Southern California, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Committee on Psychiatric Dimensions of Disaster offers the following list of resources for mental health clinicians. These resources are fully vetted by physicians and are free to all who may need them.
Lifestyle Factors Key to Reducing Risk for Dementia, Late Life Depression
A recent study highlights the lifestyle factors that can be protective against age-related brain conditions, including depression and late life depression. The research used the “Brain Care Score,” measuring lifestyle factors, and found that a higher Brain Care Score is associated with a lower risk of age-related brain disease, including stroke, late-life depression, and dementia.
Bright Light Therapy: Growing Evidence Beyond Seasonal Depression
Bright light therapy has long been a key treatment for seasonal depression. Now, new research adds to the evidence of its effectiveness for other types of depression. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry in late 2024, found that bright light therapy was an effective supplementary treatment for depressive disorders other than seasonal depression.